Check your driving habits

Part of the task of great driving is mastering the art of forming good habits; learner drivers pick up habits from watching others and doing what they do.

As an experienced driver, your driving habits are probably pretty good. Still, over time, it’s easy to get a little lazy in some areas; it doesn’t hurt to brush up on basic good driving habits before you pass them on to your learner.

Opinions differ on what's 'correct' when it comes to driving habits; this list conforms to what most professional driving instructors teach.

Preparing to drive

• Adjust the seat for effective control and comfort.
• Adjust all three mirrors for the best view.
• Fit and adjust your seat belt and head restraint.
• Check your passengers are safely seated.

Indicating

• Indicate for at least five seconds before you pull out from the kerb.
• Indicate for at least three seconds before turning.
• Indicate for at least two seconds before beginning to change lanes.
• Indicate before you steer off roundabouts (wherever practical).
• Look in your mirror before you indicate.
• Look in your mirror before you put your foot on the brake.
• Indicate before you brake.

Look around you

• Slow down if you can't see what's happening five vehicles in front of you.
• Slow down at intersections and look for other cars even if you have right of way.
• Look into intersections regardless of having right of way.
• Keep your eyes scanning the situation all around you.
• Look over your shoulder (headcheck) before beginning to change lanes and in other situations where vehicles could be in your blind spot.

Don’t bend the rules

• Come to a complete stop (no rolling) at stop signs.
• Ensure your maximum speed is always slightly under the speed limit.
• Stop for green lights when traffic in front of you is not leaving the intersection.
• Stop for amber lights unless it is not safe.

Be a careful driver

• Stay at least three seconds travel time behind the car immediately in front of you.
• Leave a space, when stopping behind a vehicle, to drive around it if you have to.
• Change lanes as little as possible.
• Slow down when approaching green traffic lights and check to make sure no one is running a red light.